WTC movie uses white man to portray black hero - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Ireneparalegal · 08-12-2006, 04:27 PM

http://newpittsburghcourieronline.co...nsung-hero.htm

The World Trade Center movie tells the story of the rescues of New York Port Authority police officers John McLoughlin and Will Jimeno from Ground Zero, as well as that of the men who rescued them. In real life, the officers were rescued by Staff Sergeants D. Karnes and Jay L. Thomas, a black man. In the film, however, they were rescued by Karnes and PFC Dave Thomas; a composite character, played by William Mapother, a white actor, who is meant to represent Thomas.

World Trade Center producer Michael Shamberg said that they knew about Sgt. Thomas’s role in the rescue, but were unable to find him when creating the film. He said producers didn’t discover Thomas was a Black man until after they had started the movie. He also said that in spite of the fact that the film was co-written by McLoughlin and Jimeno was consulted for authenticity, no one ever asked them for a physical description of the man who helped save their lives.

“Frankly, we goofed--we learned when we were filming that he was an African-American,” said Shamberg. “We would change it if we could. I actually called him and apologized, and he said he didn’t mind. He was very gracious about it.”

Shamberg also apologized for another African-American officer, Bruce Reynolds, who was also portrayed as white in the movie.

Thomas, meanwhile, didn’t learn the film was about his story until he saw the unmistakable image of two marines peering into a whole at Ground Zero during a commercial for the movie. He said that while he wasn’t angry about how the film turned out, he does wish it could have been more realistic.

Janice · 08-12-2006, 10:13 PM

That's a terrible oversight. I'm not even sure I believe the explanation. They couldn't find the guy?

Ireneparalegal · 08-12-2006, 11:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janice

That's a terrible oversight. I'm not even sure I believe the explanation. They couldn't find the guy?

I know. I mean, they couldn't look to the military for information to FIND THE GUY??? Come on...sounds bogus to me.

Janice · 08-14-2006, 11:57 PM

Where's the outrage on this? Where are Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson and the A.C.L.U? Oh wait, this is Bush basher Oliver Stone we're talking about. Sorry about that. I lost my head.

Ireneparalegal · 08-15-2006, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janice

Where's the outrage on this? Where are Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson and the A.C.L.U? Oh wait, this is Bush basher Oliver Stone we're talking about. Sorry about that. I lost my head.

08-12-2006, 04:27 PM	#1
Ireneparalegal LEGAL SPICE ;) Forum Legend Join Date: Jul 25, 2005 Location: OXNARD, CA - WHERE THE DALLAS COWBOYS TRAIN & PRACTICE Posts: 38,691	WTC movie uses white man to portray black hero http://newpittsburghcourieronline.co...nsung-hero.htm The World Trade Center movie tells the story of the rescues of New York Port Authority police officers John McLoughlin and Will Jimeno from Ground Zero, as well as that of the men who rescued them. In real life, the officers were rescued by Staff Sergeants D. Karnes and Jay L. Thomas, a black man. In the film, however, they were rescued by Karnes and PFC Dave Thomas; a composite character, played by William Mapother, a white actor, who is meant to represent Thomas. World Trade Center producer Michael Shamberg said that they knew about Sgt. Thomas’s role in the rescue, but were unable to find him when creating the film. He said producers didn’t discover Thomas was a Black man until after they had started the movie. He also said that in spite of the fact that the film was co-written by McLoughlin and Jimeno was consulted for authenticity, no one ever asked them for a physical description of the man who helped save their lives. “Frankly, we goofed--we learned when we were filming that he was an African-American,” said Shamberg. “We would change it if we could. I actually called him and apologized, and he said he didn’t mind. He was very gracious about it.” Shamberg also apologized for another African-American officer, Bruce Reynolds, who was also portrayed as white in the movie. Thomas, meanwhile, didn’t learn the film was about his story until he saw the unmistakable image of two marines peering into a whole at Ground Zero during a commercial for the movie. He said that while he wasn’t angry about how the film turned out, he does wish it could have been more realistic.
	__________________ DALLAS COWBOYS ARE HERE AT TRAINING CAMP!!!

08-12-2006, 10:13 PM	#2
Janice Retired Admin - Hollywood Swingin' Forum Legend Join Date: Aug 03, 2001 Location: Beantown Posts: 36,388	That's a terrible oversight. I'm not even sure I believe the explanation. They couldn't find the guy?

08-14-2006, 11:57 PM	#4
Janice Retired Admin - Hollywood Swingin' Forum Legend Join Date: Aug 03, 2001 Location: Beantown Posts: 36,388	Where's the outrage on this? Where are Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson and the A.C.L.U? Oh wait, this is Bush basher Oliver Stone we're talking about. Sorry about that. I lost my head.